How to Get the Microsoft 365 Student Discount and Compare Plans
Question details
The user wants to know how to get a student discount for Microsoft 365 and understand the differences between the available plan options.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A student is looking for affordable or discounted premium Office applications for their coursework and wants to know if they qualify.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs information on eligibility requirements for Title IV-accredited schools in the United States and details regarding Microsoft 365 Personal versus Family plans.
Before checking your eligibility, ensure you have access to the active .edu student email address provided by your college or university, as this is required for verification.
Apply for the Microsoft 365 Student Discount
Verify your active college enrollment to access the discounted Microsoft 365 Personal plan.
Microsoft offers a heavily discounted Microsoft 365 Personal subscription specifically for college students. This includes premium apps like Word and Excel, 1 TB of cloud storage, and advanced security.
Navigate to the official Microsoft 365 College Student Pricing page in your web browser.
Enter your valid university-provided student email address to verify your active enrollment status at a Title IV-accredited institution.
Follow the on-screen checkout prompts to set up your account and purchase the Microsoft 365 Personal plan at the discounted student rate.
Compare Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Plans
Determine whether an individual discounted plan or a multi-user family plan best fits your needs.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative for Students
If you do not qualify for the Microsoft 365 student discount or prefer not to pay a monthly subscription fee, WPS Office is an excellent free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative. It offers powerful tools for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, making it the perfect companion for your academic journey.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button for your PC or Mac.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Start Working: Launch WPS Office and instantly create a new document, spreadsheet, or presentation for your classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high school students get the Microsoft 365 student discount?
The specific Microsoft 365 Personal student discount is reserved for students enrolled at Title IV-accredited colleges or universities. However, high school students might be eligible for free access to Office 365 Education if their school has purchased an institutional subscription.
Does the student discount apply to the Microsoft 365 Family plan?
No, the student discount is only applicable to the Microsoft 365 Personal plan, which is designed for a single user. The Family plan, which supports up to six people, does not offer a student pricing tier.
What happens to my Microsoft 365 student subscription when I graduate?
Once you graduate or are no longer actively enrolled at a qualifying university, you will lose eligibility for the student discount. Your subscription will then automatically renew at the standard retail price for Microsoft 365 Personal at your next billing cycle.
Do I need a credit card to sign up for the student discount?
Yes, a valid payment method is required to set up the subscription, even with the student discount applied. You will be billed at the discounted rate automatically unless you choose to cancel before the next renewal date.
